LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

BY SABRINA HUTCHINSON VICE PRESIDENT

Hello Audio Source readers,

I hope this finds you very well. It was a privilege to have been elected Vice President of the Game Audio Network Guild in July. I’m honored to be a part of an organization that does so much for the game audio industry, and to have the opportunity to dedicate my efforts toward the organization’s four pillars of networking, advocacy, education, and recognition.

2021 has been another year of profound change for many of us. Some of us have suffered unthinkable losses, others have experienced crushing disappointments and sustained worry and fear. Despite all that has happened, it has been humbling to witness the strength and fortitude of friends and colleagues, whether that was in the form of personal sacrifices approached with a positive spirit and outlook, or those who took action to get additional support during these difficult times. These moments and conversations have given me great inspiration and encouragement.

Similarly, I want to express my deep gratitude toward the organizations that support and make up our industry. Their continued efforts in recognizing excellence in music and sound have helped lift our hearts and minds throughout the pandemic. Celebrations are important. Recognition is important. Continuity is important. Community is important. And perhaps never more so than in the past 18 months. To those of you who have re-imagined our industry’s award shows and envisioned new ways to create connection in the midst of this global pandemic, your efforts are truly appreciated. This issue of Audio Source Magazine focuses on indie games and game creators, from nominees and winners at this year’s G.A.N.G. Awards to others who for decades have helped drive our industry forward. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare said, “Though she be but little, she is fierce,” a good reminder that greatness doesn’t always depend on the budget behind a game. With recognition being one of the four pillars of the Game Audio Network Guild, it is our constant mission to recognize the greatness in our industry, and we hope the conversations and interviews in this issue inspire our readers as they have inspired us.

As 2021 winds down, we’re looking ahead with hope. We’ve begun early planning of the 20th annual G.A.N.G. Awards, which will be hosted in person at GDC March 24th, 2022. It will be tremendous to be back together with everyone at San Francisco’s Moscone Center again. The call for entries will be out in the coming weeks and we look forward to the opportunity to once again recognize excellence in game audio.

Until then, I wish you all the best.

— SABRINA HUTCHINSON